ETL certification gets mentioned a lot in product listings. What it actually means — and why it matters specifically for trade show use — is worth explaining properly.
What ETL certification is
ETL is a product safety certification issued by Intertek, one of the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) recognized by OSHA in the United States. An ETL mark means the product has been independently tested against established safety standards — not self-declared, not assumed. Tested.
For lighting products, ETL certification carries the same legal weight as UL certification. Both are accepted by US building inspectors, venue safety officers, and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction). If a venue requires NRTL-certified lighting, ETL qualifies.
The standards our arm light was tested against
- UL 2108 — Standard for Low Voltage Lighting Systems
- UL 8750 — Standard for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products
- CSA C22.2 No. 250.0-08 & No. 9.0 — Canadian Standards Association standards for luminaires
The CSA standards mean this light is also certified for use in Canada — not just the US.
Location rating: Dry and Damp locations — which covers all standard indoor exhibition and trade show environments, as well as covered semi-outdoor spaces.
Why this matters at trade shows specifically
Most major convention centers in North America — McCormick Place in Chicago, the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Javits Center in New York, and others — require that electrical equipment used on the show floor carries a recognized safety certification. Uncertified lighting can be flagged during venue inspection and removed before the show opens.
This is one of those things that doesn't come up until it does, and when it does, it's usually the morning of setup day. Having ETL-certified lights means you don't have that conversation.
About the 21W arm light
The 21W LED Display Arm Light is our most popular arm light for trade show booths. It runs on DC 24V, produces 2,400 lm, and is designed to clamp onto standard booth frames and banner stands. It's linkable — up to 10 units per chain from a single power source.
The ETL certification covers this product as a low voltage LED rigid bar, surface mounted or cabinet mounted.
ETL vs UL: is there a difference?
For practical purposes at trade shows and in commercial installations, no. Both ETL (Intertek) and UL (UL LLC) are OSHA-recognized NRTLs. Both test against the same UL standards. A venue that accepts UL-certified lighting accepts ETL-certified lighting, and vice versa.
The difference is the testing lab, not the standard. Think of it like two different auditors signing off on the same accounting standard — the result carries the same weight.
Our lightbox modules carry UL certification; our arm lights carry ETL certification. Both are fully accepted for trade show and commercial use in the US and Canada.
How to verify the certification
ETL certifications can be verified through the Intertek Product Information Database at productinfo.intertek.com. If you need documentation for venue compliance or procurement purposes, contact us and we'll send the certificate directly.
View the 21W ETL Certified LED Display Arm Light →
Common questions
Is ETL accepted at all US trade show venues?
ETL is an OSHA-recognized NRTL certification, which means it's accepted wherever UL is accepted. For the vast majority of US and Canadian trade show venues, yes. If you're exhibiting at a venue with unusual requirements, check with the venue directly — but ETL is the industry standard.
Does ETL certification cover Canada?
Yes. The certification includes CSA C22.2 standards, so it's valid for use in Canada as well as the US.
What's the difference between ETL and CE?
ETL is a North American certification (US and Canada). CE is a European market requirement. Our arm lights carry ETL for North America; for European exhibitions, look for CE-marked products. We can advise on which certification applies to your market.
Can I get a copy of the ETL certificate?
Yes — contact us and we'll send it. Some venues and procurement teams ask for it as part of their approval process.
Do I need certified lighting for every trade show?
Not every venue checks, but major convention centers typically do. It's worth having certified lighting regardless — it's also a sign of product quality, not just a compliance checkbox.
Compare 21W Display Arm Light Options
Review model-specific output, connector, cable and mounting information in LED Display Arm Lights. Confirm that the certification document corresponds to the exact ordered configuration.